How to Watch the 2026 NFL Season: Free & Paid Streams, TV Channels, Schedule & Tickets

The 2026 NFL season is here — and it's shaping up to be one of the most international seasons in league history. The regular season kicks off on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, with the defending Super Bowl LX champion Seattle Seahawks hosting the New England Patriots in the NFL's first‑ever Wednesday night season opener. The very next day (U.S. ET), the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams will meet in Melbourne, Australia, for the first NFL regular‑season game ever played Down Under (local Australian time: Friday, September 11).

But you don't have to be in the United States to follow the action. Whether you're in the U.S., China, Hong Kong, Canada, the UK, or anywhere else around the globe, this comprehensive guide breaks down exactly how to watch NFL games live and on replay — legally, affordably, and in the best quality possible.

Depending on where you live, you can catch games through CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN/ABC, Prime Video, Netflix, NFL Network, NFL+, NFL Sunday Ticket, DAZN NFL Game Pass, TSN, CTV, Sky Sports, Channel 5, ESPN, Disney+, Seven, and other official broadcasters.

This guide covers it all: free TV, paid streaming, international options, RedZone, 4K/UHD, mobile and smart TV viewing, the 2026 international games, playoffs, and Super Bowl LXI. Let's dive in! 🏆

🏈 2026 NFL Season at a Glance

The NFL's 2026 international schedule features a record nine regular‑season games across four continents, seven countries, and eight stadiums. 🌍

📺 Quick Answer: Where Can I Watch the 2026 NFL Season?

If you don't want to read the entire guide, here's the short version. 👇

If you're watching from the United States:

The easiest approach is to match the game to its broadcaster:

• CBS / Paramount+ — Sunday afternoon AFC games

• FOX / FOX One — Sunday afternoon NFC games

• NBC / Peacock — Sunday Night Football

• ESPN / ABC — Monday Night Football and selected games

• Prime Video — Thursday Night Football

• Netflix — selected Christmas Day games and special games

• NFL Network / NFL+ — selected games, including many international games

• NFL+ — mobile local and primetime games, RedZone and replays depending on plan

• NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube/YouTube TV — out‑of‑market Sunday afternoon games

• NFL RedZone — live Sunday afternoon touchdown coverage

Outside the U.S., the answer depends heavily on your country:

• 🇬🇧 UK: Sky Sports, Channel 5/5Action, and DAZN NFL Game Pass

• 🇨🇦 Canada: CTV, TSN, RDS, and DAZN NFL Game Pass

• 🇦🇺 Australia: ESPN/Disney+, Seven/7plus, and DAZN NFL Game Pass

• 🌍 Many international markets: DAZN NFL Game Pass

• 🇨🇳 Mainland China: check Tencent Sports's current NFL listings and local distribution information

• 🇯🇵 Japan: DAZN NFL Game Pass

• 🇩🇪 🇫🇷 🇪🇸 and other European markets: local broadcasters plus DAZN where available

💡 Pro Tip: The NFL also provides an official Ways to Watch tool that lets viewers check available services based on their location. Bookmark it!

🗓️ When Does the 2026 NFL Season Start?

The 2026 regular season officially kicks off with a historic Wednesday night matchup :

📅 September 9, 2026 | 🕗 8:20 p.m. ET | 📺 NBC | 📱 Peacock
🏈 New England Patriots at Seattle Seahawks
🏟️ Seattle, Washington

Live coverage begins at 7 p.m. ET with Football Night in America . This unusual Wednesday kickoff is designed to open the NFL's 107th season and serves as a rematch of Super Bowl LX. The defending champion Seahawks will raise their Super Bowl LX banner before beginning their title defense. It's going to be electric! ⚡

🌏 2026 NFL International Games

If you're an international NFL fan, 2026 is YOUR year. One of the biggest stories of the season is the NFL's unprecedented international schedule. Here's the full lineup of nine regular‑season international games across seven countries:

The NFL describes this as a record nine‑game international slate spanning four continents. Let's break down each matchup! 🏈🌍

🇦🇺 1. 49ers vs. Rams — Melbourne, Australia

September 10, 2026 (ET) / September 11, 2026 (local AEST)

The NFL's first regular‑season game in Australia is one of the landmark events of the 2026 season.

• 📍 Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground

• 🏈 Matchup: San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams

• 🇺🇸 U.S. broadcast: Netflix

• 🌏 International viewers: check local NFL broadcaster listings

This is part of the NFL's broader expansion into Australia, which the league views as a strategically important international market. Click here for more on NFL International Games.

🇧🇷 2. Ravens vs. Cowboys — Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

September 27, 2026

• 📍 Venue: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

• 🏈 Matchup: Baltimore Ravens vs. Dallas Cowboys

• 🇺🇸 U.S. broadcast: CBS / Paramount+ / NFL+

• ⏰ Kickoff: 4:25 p.m. ET

🇬🇧 3. Colts vs. Commanders — London, UK

October 4, 2026

• 📍 Venue: London, UK

• 🏈 Matchup: Indianapolis Colts vs. Washington Commanders

• 🇺🇸 U.S. broadcast: NFL Network / NFL+

• 🇬🇧 UK viewers: Sky Sports, Channel 5/5Action, or DAZN (depending on package)

• ⏰ Kickoff: 9:30 a.m. ET

🇬🇧 4. Eagles vs. Jaguars — London, UK

October 11, 2026

• 📍 Venue: London, UK

• 🏈 Matchup: Philadelphia Eagles vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

• 🇺🇸 U.S. broadcast: NFL Network / NFL+

• ⏰ Kickoff: 9:30 a.m. ET

🇬🇧 5. Texans vs. Jaguars — London, UK

October 18, 2026

• 📍 Venue: London, UK

• 🏈 Matchup: Houston Texans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

• 🇺🇸 U.S. broadcast: NFL Network / NFL+

• ⏰ Kickoff: 9:30 a.m. ET

🇫🇷 6. Steelers vs. Saints — Paris, France

October 25, 2026

• 📍 Venue: Paris, France

• 🏈 Matchup: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. New Orleans Saints

• 🇺🇸 U.S. broadcast: NFL Network / NFL+

• ⏰ Kickoff: 9:30 a.m. ET

🇪🇸 7. Bengals vs. Falcons — Madrid, Spain

November 8, 2026

• 📍 Venue: Madrid, Spain

• 🏈 Matchup: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Atlanta Falcons

• 🇺🇸 U.S. broadcast: NFL Network / NFL+

• ⏰ Kickoff: 9:30 a.m. ET

🇩🇪 8. Patriots vs. Lions — Munich, Germany

November 15, 2026

• 📍 Venue: Munich, Germany

• 🏈 Matchup: New England Patriots vs. Detroit Lions

• 🇺🇸 U.S. broadcast: FOX / FOX One / NFL+ 

• ⏰ Kickoff: 9:30 a.m. ET

• FOX will present a tripleheader on this day, with the Munich game opening at 9:30 a.m. ET .

⚠️ Important: For international‑game viewing, use the NFL's international schedule and current Ways to Watch information rather than relying solely on individual team schedule pages, which may display different network metadata.

🇲🇽 9. Vikings vs. 49ers — Mexico City, Mexico

November 22, 2026

• 📍 Venue: Mexico City, Mexico

• 🏈 Matchup: Minnesota Vikings vs. San Francisco 49ers

• 🇺🇸 U.S. broadcast: NBC / Peacock / NFL+ 

• ⏰ Kickoff: 8:20 p.m. ET 

🇺🇸 How to Watch the 2026 NFL Season in the United States

The U.S. NFL television landscape remains fragmented. That's frustrating if you want every game, but it also means casual fans can avoid paying for services they don't need. Let's break it down. 👇

📺 CBS and Paramount+ — Sunday Afternoon AFC Games

CBS remains one of the primary homes of NFL Sunday afternoon football. Typical coverage includes:

• AFC Sunday afternoon games

• Selected Thanksgiving games

• AFC playoff games

• Super Bowl coverage when CBS holds the rights

For local CBS NFL games, Paramount+ can provide streaming access where applicable, subject to local‑market and subscription requirements.

📺 FOX and FOX One — Sunday Afternoon NFC Games

FOX carries a major share of Sunday afternoon NFL football, particularly NFC matchups . FOX's coverage includes:

• Sunday afternoon games

• NFC playoff games

• Selected special games, including a Week 15 Saturday window and Christmas Day game 

💡 Cord‑cutters take note: FOX's current streaming offering is important for those who want access without traditional cable. An over‑the‑air antenna can be one of the simplest ways to watch local FOX games for free when the station carries the game in your market. Select games will also stream on FOX One .

📺 NBC and Peacock — Sunday Night Football

NBC remains the home of Sunday Night Football, one of the NFL's flagship weekly broadcasts . You can generally watch through:

• NBC

• Peacock

• participating TV providers

The 2026 season opener between the Patriots and Seahawks is also on NBC/Peacock . Peacock is especially useful for viewers who want to stream NBC's NFL programming without a traditional cable subscription. NBC's 2026 SNF schedule includes 18 regular-season games, a Thanksgiving night game, a Week 17 afternoon game, and a primetime Peacock exclusive game .

📺 ESPN and ABC — Monday Night Football

ESPN remains a major home of Monday Night Football. Depending on the specific game, coverage may also appear on:

• ESPN

• ABC

• ESPN's streaming products

Check the NFL's official viewing guide for the exact network for individual games.

📺 Prime Video — Thursday Night Football

Prime Video is the primary U.S. streaming home of Thursday Night Football. The 2026 schedule includes Thursday Night Football games on Prime Video . Prime Video supports native 4K/HDR for select Thursday Night Football fixtures.

🏈 Bottom line: Prime Video is essential if Thursday night football is a major part of your NFL viewing routine. The 2026 season also includes Black Friday Football on November 27 and a Christmas Eve game on Prime Video .

📺 Netflix — Christmas Day and Special NFL Games

Netflix has become another important part of the NFL's U.S. distribution strategy. The 2026 schedule includes five NFL games on Netflix under a four-year partnership extension :

• A Week 1 game

• A Thanksgiving Eve matchup

• One Christmas Day game

• A Week 18 regular season finale

• NFL Honors the week of the Super Bowl 

Netflix's NFL Christmas coverage is particularly useful for viewers who do not have traditional sports TV packages. Local‑market broadcast arrangements and NFL+ mobile availability can also apply to selected Christmas games. All Netflix NFL games will be available on local over-the-air broadcast television in the respective team markets and in more than 200 countries worldwide .

📡 NFL Network

NFL Network remains an important channel for:

• Selected live games

• International Series games

• NFL news, programming, and analysis

• Preseason coverage

• Football documentaries and original programming

In 2026, several international games are scheduled for NFL Network in the United States, including the London, Paris, Madrid, and Munich games.

📱 NFL+

NFL+ is the NFL's official streaming service in the United States . The exact benefits depend on the subscription tier, but NFL+ provides access to features such as:

• Live local games on supported mobile devices

• Live primetime games on supported mobile devices

• NFL Network

• NFL RedZone with Premium

• Game replays, condensed games

• All‑22 footage and other premium content (NFL Pro) 

NFL+ is particularly useful if you primarily watch on a phone or tablet rather than a television.

⚠️ Important limitation: NFL+ is not the same thing as NFL Sunday Ticket. It does not simply unlock every Sunday afternoon game on every TV device .

Learn more about NFL+

🏈 NFL Sunday Ticket

If you live in the United States and want to watch out‑of‑market Sunday afternoon games, NFL Sunday Ticket is the major option. NFL Sunday Ticket is distributed through YouTube and YouTube TV . It's designed for fans who want to follow a team that is not normally shown on their local CBS or FOX affiliate .

Example: You live in New York but want to watch almost every Sunday afternoon game involving your favorite West Coast team. That's the kind of situation where Sunday Ticket can be valuable.

Pricing for 2026 :

• With YouTube TV (new subscribers): $240 or 8 payments of $30

• With YouTube TV (returning): $378 or 8 payments of $47.25

• Without YouTube TV (new subscribers): $240 or 8 payments of $30

• Without YouTube TV (returning): $480 or 8 payments of $60

• Student discount: $119 for the season

• Military/veterans/first responders/teachers: $198

• NFL RedZone add-on: $42 for any plan

Verizon customers may be able to get NFL Sunday Ticket for free with certain phone or internet plans .

However, Sunday Ticket does not replace every other NFL service. Sunday Night Football, Monday Night Football, Thursday Night Football, and other exclusive broadcasts remain on their respective networks/platforms.

Learn more about NFL Sunday Ticket

🔥 NFL RedZone

If you don't care about watching one team from kickoff to final whistle and instead want to see the biggest moments from across the league, NFL RedZone is one of the best options. RedZone focuses on:

• Every touchdown

• Scoring opportunities

• Red‑zone possessions

• Major game‑changing plays

• Multiple Sunday afternoon games simultaneously

It's particularly popular among:

• Fantasy football players

• Fans who follow multiple teams

• Fans who want maximum action in a short period

NFL+ Premium can include RedZone , while availability can also depend on your TV/streaming provider. Watch NFL RedZone

🆓 How to Watch the NFL for Free in the U.S.

Yes — you can legally watch some NFL games without paying a monthly streaming subscription. Here's how:

📡 Use an Over‑the‑Air Antenna

An antenna can receive local CBS, FOX, NBC, and ABC channels where available. This can cover many Sunday afternoon games and some major national broadcasts. For viewers who mainly watch local teams, an antenna can be surprisingly useful!

📺 Free Local TV

Some NFL games are available through free local broadcast stations. The exact lineup depends on:

• Your ZIP code

• Local team

• Network

• Weekly schedule

The NFL's official Ways to Watch tool is useful for determining what's available in your market.

🆓 Free Trials and Promotional Offers

Some streaming services occasionally offer free trials or promotional periods. However, availability and terms change frequently, so check the provider's current offer before signing up. Do not assume that a free trial automatically includes every NFL game.

🌎 How to Watch the NFL Outside the United States

This is where things become much more interesting. International NFL viewing is different from U.S. viewing. The most important thing to understand is that NFL Game Pass International is not the same product as the U.S. NFL Sunday Ticket ecosystem.

DAZN operates NFL Game Pass internationally under the NFL's global partnership . However, availability varies by market.

🌍 DAZN NFL Game Pass

For many countries outside the United States, Canada, and China, NFL Game Pass on DAZN is the most comprehensive official option .

Depending on your market, NFL Game Pass can provide:

• Every regular‑season game

• Playoff games

• Super Bowl

• NFL RedZone

• NFL Network

• Live games, full‑game replays, condensed games

• NFL Originals

DAZN states that NFL Game Pass is available internationally across 200+ countries and territories , with important market exclusions and restrictions. The NFL's long‑term partnership with DAZN covers worldwide distribution of NFL Game Pass International, excluding China .

In Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, the NFL Game Pass on DAZN is available for €199.99 annually or €19.99 monthly .

⚠️ Important: Do not assume that the same NFL Game Pass product is sold in every country. Local rights can override or restrict Game Pass availability. Always check the DAZN NFL Game Pass page for your current country.

🇬🇧 United Kingdom: How to Watch the NFL

British NFL fans have a particularly strong combination of free and paid options. The UK has several official NFL viewing options:

• DAZN NFL Game Pass: The most comprehensive option, with every regular‑season game, playoffs, and Super Bowl available.

• Sky Sports: Remains a major NFL broadcaster in the UK and Ireland. Its current agreement includes more than 170 live NFL games, including regular‑season games, Thursday/Sunday/Monday Night Football, playoffs, Super Bowl, and RedZone on Sky Sports Mix.

• Channel 5 / 5Action: Provides free‑to‑air NFL coverage, including a Sunday 6 p.m. game, a later game on 5Action, playoffs, and the Super Bowl. This makes Channel 5 one of the most important free legal options for UK viewers.

🇨🇦 Canada: How to Watch the NFL

Canada has its own NFL rights structure rather than simply using the U.S. system:

• CTV: The free‑to‑air home of NFL football in Canada, carrying weekly Sunday afternoon games, playoffs, and the Super Bowl.

• TSN: Carries the NFL's major primetime schedule, including Monday Night Football, Sunday Night Football, Thursday Night Football, playoffs, and the Super Bowl.

• RDS: Provides French‑language NFL coverage, including Sunday afternoon and primetime games.

• DAZN NFL Game Pass: Canada is an important exception to the international DAZN model. DAZN operates NFL Game Pass in Canada, with full access to NFL games from preseason through postseason.

🔍 The correct distinction: NFL Game Pass International is not the Canadian product, but DAZN does offer NFL Game Pass in Canada. Note that the Canadian DAZN Game Pass offering has feature differences compared to Game Pass sold in other global territories.

🇦🇺 Australia: How to Watch the NFL

Australia is especially important in 2026 because the league is staging its first‑ever regular‑season game at the Melbourne Cricket Ground: Rams vs. 49ers, with the Jonas Brothers performing at halftime! 🎤

Official viewing options include:

• ESPN / Disney+: ESPN is Australia's primary pay‑TV home for the NFL. Coverage includes a minimum of six live games each week, primetime matchups, all playoffs, Pro Bowl, and Super Bowl LXI. NFL RedZone is exclusively available on Disney+ for Australia; it's not included with DAZN Game Pass locally.

• Seven / 7plus (Free‑to‑Air): Seven is Australia's exclusive free‑to‑air NFL broadcaster. It airs selected Thursday Night Football, Sunday afternoon fixtures, playoff games, and Super Bowl LXI live and free on 7mate and 7plus. Note: this is a curated selection of games and does not stream the full NFL schedule.

• DAZN NFL Game Pass: For fans wanting complete access to every single preseason, regular‑season, and postseason fixture, DAZN NFL Game Pass covers the full NFL schedule in Australia. RedZone is not included in the Australian DAZN offering.

🇳🇿 New Zealand

You can watch the NFL in New Zealand through:

• Disney+ & ESPN: Under the extended regional broadcast deal, Disney+ carries weekly live NFL games including Sunday Night Football, Monday Night Football, and Thursday Night Football. NFL RedZone is exclusive to Disney+ for New Zealand viewers.

• Sky NZ / Sky Sport Now: Linear ESPN/ESPN2 channels are available on Sky NZ.

• NFL Game Pass on DAZN: Stream every live regular‑season and postseason game plus Super Bowl LXI. RedZone is not included for New Zealand DAZN subscribers.

• Free‑to‑Air: TVNZ+ provides regular weekly free‑to‑air NFL coverage, including selected regular‑season games, playoffs, and the Super Bowl.

🇩🇪 🇫🇷 🇪🇸 🇮🇹 🇦🇹 How to Watch in Europe

For most European markets, DAZN + NFL Game Pass remains the simplest and most reliable all‑in‑one solution for following the 2026–2027 NFL season . DAZN's international NFL coverage serves a huge number of territories worldwide, delivering full live streams and on‑demand replays for preseason, regular season, playoff games, and the Super Bowl.

DAZN officially offers localized NFL commentary feeds in the following languages for eligible regions:

• 🇪🇸 Spanish

• 🇵🇹 Portuguese

• 🇩🇪 German (discontinued for DACH region in 2026–27) 

• 🇫🇷 French

• 🇳🇱 Dutch

⚠️ Important note: The exact number of live games, on‑demand content, localized commentary, and RedZone availability differs significantly by territory and annual rights renewal terms. Always verify local offerings before subscribing. RedZone is not included with DAZN Game Pass across all European countries.

🇩🇪 Germany

Germany has one of the clearest free‑to‑air NFL arrangements in Europe:

• RTL / NITRO: The NFL's current German viewing page says: RTL and NITRO are the exclusive free‑TV home of the NFL in Germany. RTL's coverage includes at least two live Sunday games, while one additional game is available weekly on RTL+.

• DAZN: Provides the full NFL Game Pass service in Germany with live and on‑demand access to the complete NFL schedule. German‑language commentary and German‑language RedZone are no longer available on DAZN for 2026‑27. RTL and Sky hold German‑language broadcast rights this season .

This makes Germany a particularly interesting market for fans who want both free‑to‑air and premium NFL coverage.

🇫🇷 France

France also has a clearly defined current NFL viewing ecosystem:

• M6 / 6play: Carries one weekly Sunday evening game on 6play, selected playoff games on W9, and the Super Bowl on M6.

• beIN SPORTS: Carries Thursday Night Football, Sunday Night Football, Monday Night Football, NFL RedZone, an additional Sunday game, the full playoffs, and the Super Bowl.

• DAZN: Carries NFL Game Pass, including live and on‑demand access to NFL games.

🇪🇸 Spain

Spain is another important NFL market, especially in 2026 because Madrid is hosting an International Series game :

Madrid International Game
🏈 Cincinnati Bengals vs. Atlanta Falcons
📅 November 8, 2026
📍 Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid
🕤 9:30 a.m. ET / 3:30 p.m. Madrid time

For Spanish viewers, DAZN is the home of NFL Game Pass International, showing all 335 regular season and postseason games . Use the NFL's current Spain/European viewing listings before game day rather than relying on an old rights table.

Other European Markets

The NFL's international rights are fragmented across Europe. Key official viewing options to verify for each market:

💡 Because rights change frequently, the most reliable resource is the NFL's official Ways to Watch by Country directory rather than static information copied from a previous season.

🇯🇵 Japan

Japan is another major NFL Game Pass market. DAZN offers NFL Game Pass International in Japan, including live and on‑demand access to NFL games outside the United States. DAZN also supports Japanese‑language commentary for selected games only; full Japanese commentary is not available for every fixture.

🇨🇳 How to Watch the NFL in China

Mainland China represents a separate rights‑market environment. DAZN‑powered NFL Game Pass International is not an official, supported solution for mainland China .

• Tencent Sports has maintained a long‑term historical digital partnership with the NFL and previously delivered NFL live‑streaming and digital content for Chinese audiences. Past cooperation does not guarantee active broadcast rights for the 2026‑27 season.

• Sports‑media rights in mainland China are subject to renewal and may vary for individual fixtures.

Mainland‑based viewers should verify the latest authorized viewing sources every week. Potential places to check include:

• Tencent Sports

• Tencent Video

• Official NFL China social‑media & content channels

• Chinese‑language commentary feeds, if made available

⚠️ Important: Do not assume a DAZN NFL Game Pass account purchased in other territories will function normally inside mainland China due to regional geo‑restrictions. Always cross‑check for up‑to‑date official announcements regarding 2026‑27 broadcast partners.

🔗 Tencent Sports

🇭🇰 Hong Kong

Hong Kong maintains its separate sports‑rights landscape. NFL fans should verify up‑to‑date local listings from broadcasters and pay‑TV operators, including PCCW/Now TV if rights remain in place for the current season. DAZN‑powered NFL Game Pass is also an official viewing option for the Hong Kong market.

Note: PCCW was previously listed by the NFL as a Hong Kong broadcast partner in prior seasons; past partnership status does not guarantee renewal for 2026‑27.

Asia (Other Regions)

Outside mainland China, NFL broadcast rights are fragmented across different local rights‑holders. DAZN‑powered NFL Game Pass is also an official alternative viewing option in many Asian territories, subject to regional availability .

Historical major broadcasters for reference only (past partnerships do not guarantee renewed rights for 2026‑27):

⚠️ Important note: Rights and channel lineups can change. Do not treat this country reference list as permanent 2026‑27 rights confirmation. Many Asian markets offer primarily English‑language feeds; localized commentary is limited to selected territories. The NFL official country‑by‑country "Ways to Watch" directory is the most reliable up‑to‑date reference for readers.

Middle East & North Africa (MENA)

For MENA viewers, beIN Sports remains the primary broadcast home for the NFL. Coverage generally includes marquee prime‑time match‑ups and postseason action including the Super Bowl. Exact game counts, channels, and RedZone access vary by individual beIN subscription package; RedZone is not available in all MENA territories via beIN.

DAZN NFL Game Pass is available in selected MENA countries as a supplementary standalone option. Confirm local service eligibility before subscribing.

Africa

The NFL's Africa‑region viewing resources reference two main options:

• ESPN Africa: Carries a curated selection of NFL live games across the season including Thursday Night Football, Sunday Night Football, and Monday Night Football. This is a linear selected‑games service and does not stream the full NFL schedule.

• DAZN NFL Game Pass: Provides full‑schedule live and on‑demand coverage where the service is supported in‑country.

Exact service availability differs strongly by African nation and local service‑provider. Always verify what your subscription delivers locally.

🇧🇷 Brazil and 🇲🇽 Mexico

Brazil and Mexico are among the NFL's most important Latin American markets. In addition to local broadcast arrangements, DAZN's international NFL service provides localized Portuguese and Spanish commentary for selected games where available. DAZN currently describes Spanish commentary for selected games in Spain, Mexico, and Latin America, and Portuguese commentary for selected games in Brazil and Portugal. Exact game counts can change.

📺 How to Watch Every Type of NFL Game

Understanding the NFL broadcast schedule is easier if you divide games by their weekly broadcast window:

💡 Broadcast assignments can change for special games, so always check the current NFL schedule before kickoff.

🦃 Thanksgiving NFL Games

Thanksgiving remains one of the biggest football days of the NFL calendar. The annual Thanksgiving slate normally includes games across the major NFL broadcast partners. For 2026, the Dallas Cowboys host the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday, November 26 at 4:30 p.m. ET on FOX, FOX One, and FOX Deportes . NBC and Peacock will also feature a Thanksgiving night game: Kansas City Chiefs vs. Buffalo Bills .

Because Thanksgiving coverage can include special national distribution, check the official NFL schedule for the 2026 lineup rather than relying on the normal Sunday network pattern.

🎄 Christmas Day NFL Games

Christmas football is becoming increasingly important to the NFL's media strategy. For 2026, Netflix again plays a major role in live Christmas Day NFL coverage . FOX will also present a Christmas Day game: a rematch of the NFC Championship Game between the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks at 8:15 p.m. ET .

Netflix's Christmas games can also have:

• Local‑market broadcasts

• NFL+ mobile access

• International Game Pass distribution

• Canadian coverage through CTV/TSN/RDS

• Other local international broadcasters

📅 What Happens in Week 18?

Week 18 is different from most NFL weeks because the exact schedule is not fully determined far in advance. The NFL determines the final Week 18 matchups and kickoff times after Week 17 so that playoff implications can be considered .

For 2026, the league has scheduled three Saturday Week 18 games plus Sunday fixtures. Broadcast assignments for all Week 18 contests will be announced later in the season. The exact matchups and final broadcast assignments are determined late in the regular season . This is why you should not expect the entire Week 18 schedule to be known in September.

🏆 How to Watch the 2027 NFL Playoffs and Super Bowl LXI

After the 2026 regular season comes the postseason. The 2026–27 NFL playoffs culminate in:

Super Bowl LXI
📅 February 14, 2027
📍 SoFi Stadium
🏙️ Inglewood, California

Super Bowl LXI will be the championship game concluding the 2026 NFL season. Disney‑ESPN will handle global host broadcast production for Super Bowl LXI. The exact U.S. broadcast arrangements should be checked closer to the event. International viewers should likewise check their country's official broadcaster because Super Bowl rights vary by territory.

🔗 Super Bowl LXI Official Info

📱 Watch the NFL on Phones and Tablets

For mobile viewing in the U.S., NFL+ is particularly useful . Depending on your subscription and location, you can access:

• Live local games

• Live primetime games

• NFL Network

• RedZone

• Replays

• Condensed games

Other broadcasters also provide mobile apps, including:

• Peacock

• Paramount+

• ESPN

• Prime Video

• FOX

• Netflix

⚠️ Remember: App availability and live‑game rights can vary by country.

📺 Watch the NFL on Smart TVs

Most major NFL streaming services support modern connected‑TV platforms . Common options include:

• Roku

• Apple TV

• Amazon Fire TV

• Google TV / Android TV

• Samsung smart TVs

• LG smart TVs

• Xbox

• PlayStation

• Chromecast‑compatible devices

Exact app support depends on the streaming service. If your goal is to watch the entire season on a television, check device compatibility before purchasing a subscription.

🖥️ Can You Watch the NFL in 4K?

Yes — but not every NFL game is available in native 4K. This is one of the most important points for viewers shopping for a 4K NFL setup.

A game can involve:

• Native 4K production

• Upscaled 4K

• HDR

• 1080p HDR

• Standard HD

...depending on the broadcaster, game, and distribution platform.

Therefore: Having a 4K TV does not mean every NFL game will be delivered to you in native 2160p.

• Peacock supports selected 4K UHD content on compatible plans and devices.

• Prime Video delivers native 4K/HDR for select Thursday Night Football matches.

• Select games will stream on FOX One in 4K .

• Major events such as the Super Bowl have received 4K/HDR distribution on selected platforms.

Before assuming a game is "4K," check:

1. Whether the broadcaster produced it in 4K

2. Whether your streaming service carries the 4K feed

3. Whether your subscription tier includes 4K

4. Whether your TV/device supports the required format

5. Whether the game is native 4K or upscaled

🎥 4K vs. HD: What Should NFL Fans Buy?

If you're building a new setup primarily for NFL viewing, prioritize:

1. A good 4K HDR television — Even when the source is not native 4K, a modern 4K display can provide an excellent picture.

2. A reliable high‑speed Internet connection — Streaming quality depends heavily on connection stability.

3. A supported streaming device — Make sure your device supports the relevant app and video format.

4. The right subscription — A premium subscription may be necessary for certain 4K streams.

🆚 NFL+ vs. Sunday Ticket vs. DAZN NFL Game Pass

These services are often confused, but they serve very different audiences :

⚠️ The exact package contents and market restrictions should always be checked before purchase.

🏆 Which NFL Streaming Option Is Best for You?

👤 Casual NFL Fan in the U.S.

Best setup: Antenna + local network apps + one relevant streaming service. You can watch many nationally televised and local games without purchasing every possible package.

🏈 Hardcore NFL Fan in the U.S.

Consider: NFL Sunday Ticket + NFL RedZone + your local broadcast services . This is one of the strongest combinations for following multiple teams.

📱 Mobile Viewer

Consider: NFL+ .

🌍 NFL Fan Outside the U.S.

Start with: DAZN NFL Game Pass . Then verify whether your country has an exclusive or competing local broadcaster.

🇬🇧 UK Fan

Consider: DAZN NFL Game Pass for maximum coverage, or Sky Sports / Channel 5 if you prefer local broadcasting or free‑to‑air coverage.

🇨🇦 Canadian Fan

Consider: DAZN NFL Game Pass for comprehensive coverage. For free and conventional TV: CTV + TSN + RDS cover major parts of the NFL schedule.

🇦🇺 Australian Fan

Consider: DAZN NFL Game Pass for comprehensive coverage. For traditional/free TV: ESPN/Disney+ + Seven/7plus are the major options.

⏰ NFL Kickoff Times Around the World

NFL games are scheduled in U.S. Eastern Time, but international viewers should convert them to their local time.

Typical U.S. windows include:

• Sunday afternoon: 1:00 p.m. ET

• Sunday late afternoon: 4:05 / 4:25 p.m. ET

• Sunday Night Football: 8:20 p.m. ET

• Monday Night Football: 8:00 p.m. ET

• Thursday Night Football: 8:15 p.m. ET

• London / Munich / Madrid / Paris games: Usually 9:30 a.m. ET

• Mexico City primetime: 8:20 p.m. ET

🌍 International games are especially convenient for European viewers because London, Paris, Madrid, and Munich games are played in the afternoon local time.

🗓️ Where to Find the Official 2026 NFL Schedule

The safest place to check game times and broadcast information is the NFL's official schedule:
🔗 2026 NFL Schedule

The NFL also provides official team schedules and "where to watch" information.

🔗 Official NFL Viewing Resources

❓ 2026 NFL Season FAQ

When does the 2026 NFL season start?

The regular season begins on September 9, 2026, with the Patriots visiting the Seahawks at 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC/Peacock .

How many games are there in the 2026 NFL regular season?

There are 272 regular‑season games, with each of the 32 teams playing 17 games.

How many international NFL games are there in 2026?

There are nine international regular‑season games, the most in NFL history. They're spread across seven countries and four continents.

Where is the first NFL game in Australia?

The 49ers and Rams will play in Melbourne. The game starts September 10 ET / September 11 local AEST, marking the NFL's first regular‑season game in Australia.

Can I watch every NFL game with NFL+?

No. NFL+ is primarily designed around mobile local/primetime viewing and additional NFL content . It is not a replacement for Sunday Ticket or every national TV/streaming service .

Can I watch every NFL game with Sunday Ticket?

No. Sunday Ticket focuses on out‑of‑market Sunday afternoon games . It does not replace Thursday Night Football, Sunday Night Football, Monday Night Football, or every special game.

Can I watch every NFL game with DAZN NFL Game Pass?

In many international markets, NFL Game Pass is the most comprehensive option and includes essentially the full NFL schedule . However, local broadcasting rights and geographic restrictions apply, so availability is not identical in every country.

Is NFL Game Pass available in Canada?

Yes — but Canada has its own DAZN NFL Game Pass offering. NFL's official Canada viewing guide says DAZN is the home of NFL Game Pass in Canada with full access to NFL games from preseason through postseason. Feature set differs from standard international Game Pass.

Is NFL Game Pass available in China?

The international DAZN NFL Game Pass product is not the standard service for mainland China . Viewers in mainland China should check the current local NFL rights and Tencent's current NFL listings.

Is there free NFL streaming?

Yes, depending on your country. Examples include:

• U.S. local CBS/FOX/NBC broadcasts through an antenna

• UK Channel 5/5Action

• Australia's Seven/7plus

• Canada's CTV

However, free coverage usually does not include every NFL game.

Can I watch NFL games in 4K?

Some NFL games and special events are available in 4K/UHD or HDR on selected services, but 4K is not guaranteed for every game. Always check the specific game's technical feed and your subscription tier.

Where is Super Bowl LXI?

Super Bowl LXI will be played at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on February 14, 2027.

🏁 Bottom Line: What's the Best Way to Watch the 2026 NFL Season?

The best NFL streaming setup depends almost entirely on where you live.

🇺🇸 In the United States

A practical combination is:
Local CBS/FOX/NBC/ABC + Prime Video + Peacock + ESPN/ABC + Netflix 

• Add: NFL Sunday Ticket if you need out‑of‑market Sunday afternoon games .

• Add: NFL RedZone if you want maximum Sunday action.

• Add: NFL+ if you want mobile access and NFL‑specific extras .

🌍 Outside the United States

Start with: DAZN NFL Game Pass . Then check your country's local broadcaster because some markets have exclusive or free‑to‑air NFL coverage.

🇨🇳 Mainland China

Check Tencent's NFL coverage and current local listings rather than assuming DAZN NFL Game Pass International is available.

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

• DAZN NFL Game Pass = maximum coverage

• Sky Sports = major pay‑TV option

• Channel 5/5Action = important free‑to‑air option

🇨🇦 Canada

• DAZN NFL Game Pass = comprehensive coverage

• CTV + TSN + RDS = major conventional/free‑TV coverage

🇦🇺 Australia

• DAZN NFL Game Pass = comprehensive coverage

• ESPN/Disney+ + Seven/7plus = major local options

The 2026 season is particularly exciting for international fans. With nine regular‑season games in Australia, Brazil, the UK, France, Spain, Germany, and Mexico, the NFL is making one of its biggest pushes yet to become a truly global sports league. 🌍🏈

Whether you're following your favorite team every Sunday, watching RedZone on your phone, catching Thursday Night Football on Prime Video, or tuning in from the other side of the world through NFL Game Pass, there are more official ways to watch the NFL than ever before.

Enjoy the games! 🏆🔥